Marvel Unveils Its '1,000,000 B.C. Avengers' Comic Book Heroes

Ahead of the September release of Marvel Legacy No. 1 — the special oversized issue launching the publisher's upcoming line-wide comic book relaunch — Marvel Entertainment has been asking one simple question: "Who are the 1,000,000 B.C. Avengers?"

In a series of press releases this week, images by artist Mike Deodato of the literally pre-historic super team have been unveiled, showcasing the very first team of Avengers in Marvel's comic book history. They feature new (well, very old) versions of characters like the Black Panther, Ghost Rider and Iron Fist.

It's already known that the 1,000,000 B.C. Avengers team will make its debut in the 50-page Marvel Legacy issue, written by Jason Aaron with art by Esad Ribic. That issue was described by the company's executive editor Tom Brevoort in a statement as "the starting gun to a bevy of mysteries, secrets, and revelations that will reverberate across the Marvel Universe in the weeks and months to come." The creative team — who had previously worked together on the critically acclaimed Thor: God of Thunder series — is telling a story that lasts from the origins of mankind through the future of Earth's Mightiest Heroes.

Quite what that story will be — and whether or not the Avengers of 1,000,000 B.C. will ever be seen again after the special issue — remains under wraps until Sept. 27, when the issue is released digitally and in comic book stores.

In addition to the debut of the newest version of the super team, Marvel has announced that comic book stores can partner with the company to host Marvel Legacy No. 1 launch parties, with participating stores eligible to order special printings of the issue with exclusive covers. Interested stores should contact Marvel by Aug. 21.